MyVoice: Views of our readers 23rd May 2025
Mizoram's literacy milestone is a wake-up call for India
Mizoram's remarkable achievement as India's first fully literate state (announced by its Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday) deserves celebration as also a serious reflection. In a country struggling with vast educational gaps, Mizoram's success (a literacy rate of 98.2 per cent, surpassing the Centre's 95 per cent benchmark for full literacy) offers not just inspiration but a workable model. Its approach—community involvement, consistent government policy, and cultural respect for education—proves that literacy isn't a luxury; it's a matter of will. Kerala has a literacy rate of 96.2 per cent.
Other states with far more resources continue to fall behind. Why? This isn't just about statistics. Literacy transforms lives. It empowers people to think, vote, and build. It's ironic that while we pump money into tech and infrastructure, we ignore the human foundation—education. If Mizoram can do it, what excuse do we have as regards the backwardness in other states? India needs to stop celebrating isolated successes and start ensuring that every citizen can read, write, and prosper in life.
Md Hasnain, Patna
A major blow to Maoists
The Maoist movement received a body-blow on Wednesday with the killing of its top leader Nambala Kesava Rao, alias Basavaraju, general secretary of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in Chhattisgarh's Maad in an encounter with security forces. Basavaraju carried a reward of ₹ 1.5 crore on his head. Incidentally, he is the third member of the organisation's top body to be gunned down this year with Jagan and Uday being the other two. Quite expectedly, the entire political leadership has hailed the killing, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that naxalism would be eliminated by next March.
On that count, the banned outfit's members are facing a situation like the post-Emergency days in 1977. They suspended armed struggle and mobilsed masses before launching the CPI-ML (People' s War) which was translated into MCCI before taking the present name CPI (Maoist). Meanwhile, the security forces honed their skills by using technology in jungle warfare. It is time the authorities put an end to the mayhem in the dense forest, where most Maoists operate from. Pratapa Reddy Yaramala,
Tiruvuru, NTR Dist
Paying the price for waging a mindless war
The country is witnessing a determined phase of mopping up operations against Maoists by the security forces in different states. This is in tune with the government's resolve to eradicate Maoism and Naxalism by 2027. The elimination of Basavaraju and 26 other Maoists in the dense forest in Bastar region is one of the most significant operations in recent times.
These misguided radicals are waging a mindless war against the state on borrowed notions from China and Russia despite being highly educated. Interestingly, there are several pseudo-secular groups seeking a soft approach while dealing with such anti-nationals. It is both astonishing and astounding.
KR Parvathy, Mysuru
Herald case: ED asserts prima facie case
There is a prima facie case against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The fact is that Dr Subramanyam Swamy won't take up issues without content or basis. More so where the top family of INC is concerned. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took up investigation with right earnestness and culled out evidence enough to be qualified as prima facie, meaning the case is fit for a full-scale investigation.
The Congress party is not able to challenge but always plays the political victim card. This puzzle should be cleared, once and for all. The NDA government should know that it is okay if a particular issue is used to corner the opponent, albeit for a limited time and cause. Overuse is bound to boomerang. This simple logic should not be missed by the ruling party. If there is substance and evidence, rather than mudslinging the Gandhi family, why not bring the issue to its logical end?
Govardhana Myneedu, MG Road, Vijayawada
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bhoomipuja often carried out for political gain than execution: Gadkari
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that regardless of which party is in power, dozens of project bhoomipujans are carried out, often driven by political optics than execution. "MLA saheb wins the first election with the bhoomipujan announcement, the second after the actual bhoomipujan is done, and the third election based on budget provisions and pending work," Gadkari said, citing the example of the Gosikhurd project. Speaking on the second day of the Vidarbha Water Conference held at Vanamati, the Union minister added, "The Gosikhurd project started at ₹360 crore. Today, over ₹12,500 crore has been spent, out of which over ₹6,000 crore was allocated when I was the water resources minister. Yet, the project remains stagnant. Rehabilitation issues in the region are still unresolved." Citing another example, Gadkari addressed the status of Central Road Fund (CRF) allocations, clarifying that the entire Rs7,000 crore budgeted amount had already been approved for projects. "MLAs fly to Delhi requesting approvals. Against proposals worth Rs7,000 crore, we've sanctioned the full amount. But beyond that, I can't approve more unless new provisions are made," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He stressed that govt processes inherently take time and are bound by budgetary limits. "People get excited when big projects are announced, photos are clicked during bhoomipujans, coconuts are broken — and then projects remain stuck for 25 years," Gadkari remarked. Referring to the ongoing crisis of farmer suicides in Vidarbha, Gadkari pointed to water scarcity as one of the main causes, especially in districts like Akola, Washim, Buldhana, Yavatmal, Amravati, and Wardha. "In the past few years, many farmers died by suicide. Several studies were conducted, and one of the major reasons found was water scarcity. The second key factor was the cotton price mechanism. We need to increase production, and for that, water conservation is essential. Until irrigation is secured, farmer suicides will not stop," he said. Speaking further on conservation, Gadkari said, "Major and medium-scale projects will continue, but what individuals can do at their level matters most. Water that runs should be slowed, water that slows should be stopped, and the water that stops should seep into the ground — only then will groundwater levels rise." He also emphasised the role of educational institutions in building agricultural self-sufficiency. Citing the late Dr Shrikant Jichkar, Gadkari said universities should focus on seed development, branding, and selling agricultural produce. "The income generated should go toward paying teachers' salaries. If the revenue doesn't come in one season, it will come in the next. Without such accountability, institutions risk becoming colourless, tasteless, and odourless," he warned, urging alignment of academic research with field-level agricultural needs. Gadkari also advocated for the creation of a regional water grid to address unequal water availability across basins. "Some basins receive excess rainfall and flood, while others remain dry. Just like roads and power grids, a water grid is needed to move surplus water from one basin to another," he said. He added that while large projects require land acquisition, environmental clearances, and funding, basin-to-basin transfers could be launched faster through proper planning and community-led initiatives. Gadkari cited upcoming projects in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh that aim to channel sufficient water into the Yamuna, ensuring Delhi won't face shortages at least until 2090. Drawing comparisons, he pointed out that Telangana implemented a Rs80,000 crore water project, along with 49 other previously planned projects in the southern parts, saving a significant amount of water that would have otherwise flowed directly into the sea.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
China Cornered; Xi's Worst Nightmare? Two Asian Rivals Seal Explosive Military Deal
New Delhi: Japan has formally ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines after months of speculation and delays. Though Manila approved the pact nearly a year ago, Tokyo's green light came only recently. It marks a significant moment in Asia's shifting strategic landscape. The final push came after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's high-profile visit to the Philippines that showcased how seriously both countries are taking China's increasing aggression. Under the agreement, Japanese and Filipino forces will now be able to train and operate on each other's territories. This includes live-fire military drills and joint exercises, an unprecedented move considering Japan's post-WWII military restrictions. Analysts call it a strategic masterstroke against China, which has ongoing maritime disputes with both nations over contested islands in the East and South China Seas. Manila had already signalled its commitment back in 2024. In a ceremony held in July that year, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa formally signed the deal. Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the event, reinforcing the high level of political and military will behind the pact. Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Mylene Garcia-Albano, did not hold back. In a statement on Friday, she welcomed the Japanese upper house's approval of the RAA and declared it a 'major milestone' that now completes the legislative process in Tokyo. According to her, this agreement will simplify joint training and disaster relief deployments and will boost military cooperation between the two nations. This deal is considered to be groundbreaking. It marks the first time since World War II that Japanese troops will return to Philippine soil, which they once occupied during wartime. Until now, Japan had signed similar agreements only with allies like Australia and the United Kingdom. With this step, it boldly enters the Asian military partnership arena. An Anti-China Alliance in the Making? Japan and the Philippines are both close allies of the United States, and this agreement comes amid growing concern over China's rising belligerence in the region. From the East China Sea to the South China Sea, China has repeatedly flexed its military muscles, claimed territory and tested regional limits. But this new axis between Tokyo and Manila could be the most serious check on Beijing's power yet. Xi Jinping's ambitions for regional hegemony may have just hit a serious roadblock.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Somanna urges Karnataka govt to reconsider dropped railways projects
Mysuru: Union minister of state for railways V Somanna, on Sunday urged Karnataka govt to reconsider its decision to drop the Chamarajanagar–Hejjala and Mysuru–Kushalnagar railway projects. Following a review meeting with Mysuru division railway officials, Somanna said he wrote to the state urging it to take up both projects and plans to personally follow up with chief minister Siddaramaiah in the next 15 days. "State govt earlier returned both proposals citing an inability to implement them," the Union minister said. "I've since written requesting a reconsideration. I also spoke to Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose and Mysuru district minister HC Mahadevappa, but there has been no progress so far. I will increase pressure and ensure that these projects are approved at the earliest. Developmental initiatives should go beyond party lines. " On electrification progress between Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, he said only a 1.2km stretch near Kadakola, close to Mysuru airport, remains incomplete. He said this is due to "technical challenges". "We are working on obtaining an online NOC, and once cleared, that final stretch will be completed soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Capital Gains Exemptions for Seniors SmartAsset Learn More Undo Across the country, 99% of electrification is complete, and we aim to reach 100% by the end of the year," he said. Additionally, Somanna announced that Union govt sanctioned Rs 200 crore for the Yadgir Railway coach factory expansion, where currently only 50 employees are working. Somanna emphasised the importance of timely project execution, high-quality construction standards, and enhanced passenger amenities. He expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work and reaffirmed the central govt's commitment to improving regional connectivity. He praised chief minister Siddaramaiah for his cooperation in land acquisition matters, which enabled significant railway infrastructure progress in Karnataka. "Karnataka is seeing the implementation of 13 major projects worth around Rs 39,000 crore, including the Rayadurga–Tumakuru, Tumakuru–Davanagere, Kuduchi–Gadag, and Gadag–Wadi lines," he said. "Under the Viksit Bharat initiative, a greenfield corridor is being planned in Tumakuru, which will connect major factories directly via rail. This move is expected to drastically reduce transportation costs—from Rs 13/km by road to Rs 6–7/km by rail."
